Should Malaysia Widen Patient Access to Medical Records? An Ethical Analysis

TL;DR

This paper argues that giving Malaysian patients wider access to their medical records is ethically justified and beneficial.

Contribution

The paper provides a novel ethical analysis of patient access to medical records in Malaysia using utilitarian and deontological frameworks.

Findings

Empirical studies show patients benefit from accessing their medical records by feeling more in control.

Both ethical frameworks support unrestricted access as beneficial and morally obligatory.

The paper concludes that legal and ethical reforms are needed to enable wider access.

Abstract

This paper examines the ethical justification for wider patient access to their own medical records, focusing on utilitarian and deontological perspectives. At present, despite acknowledging that patients have rights to their medical records in Malaysia, this access is restricted. The utilitarian approach, rooted in consequentialist theory, advocates for actions that produce the greatest benefit for most people. It emphasises that patient access to medical records can enhance patient empowerment, engagement and overall health outcomes. Despite concerns from healthcare providers about potential patient confusion and misinterpretation, empirical studies indicate that patients generally benefit from access, feeling more in control and involved in their healthcare decisions. Conversely, Kant’s deontological theory prioritises the morality of actions based on their inherent nature rather than outcomes. It supports unrestricted patient access as a moral obligation, emphasising respect for patient autonomy and truth-telling. According to this theory, withholding information from competent patients is ethically unjustifiable and infringes on their rights. Both ethical frameworks reveal significant patient benefits and challenge the traditional paternalistic approach of healthcare providers. This paper concludes that wider patient access to medical records in Malaysia is ethically justifiable and beneficial, urging legal and ethical reforms to support this practice.